Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Last week I threatened to write another blog, and unlike my
threats to discipline my daughter, I’m actually going to follow through on this
one.This week, I wanted to write
about my most recent half marathon, which took place in Costa Rica about a
month ago.In professional
running, you can sometimes find a competition that turns into something more
than a race.It becomes one of
your life highlights – something you’ll eventually tell your kids about some
day.These experiences are
extremely important for runners that don’t make Olympic teams because without
them, your running tale is pretty much: “I ran a lot when I was younger, was
really skinny, and ignored personal hygiene occasionally.”These highlights come in many
forms.They can either be a PR, a
victory, or some other set of unforgettable circumstances.Everyone who runs knows what I’m
talking about because everyone has had at least one of these experiences.It’s why we keep running.

This past month, I took part in one of those lifetime highlight
races.The event was the Reto
Powerade Half Marathon, and it took place in the capital of Costa Rica.I was initially approached to run this
race because a friend, Jeff Egglestein, was invited but instead chose to run
some race in Russia (World Marathon Champs).His gain turned out to be mine as well since I jumped
immediately at the chance to race down south.My wife then threatened to leave me if I didn’t take her
along so the table was set for a nice Burrell outing to Costa Rica.

I knew this race was different when I arrived at a pre-race
press conference and was swarmed by folks in the media wanting an
interview.You could tell
immediately that the public was interested in the elite race.Now I’ve run in some huge races in the
States with outstanding elite fields.Races with long histories and importance in the communities that hold
them.Races with substantial buzz
surrounding the event.This was
different.The headline story of
the Reto Powerade was on the potential winners of the race, whereas the
headlines of U.S. races are centered on the event itself – the competitive race
is a nice side story, but most participants and spectators aren’t really
interested in who wins.I’m not
saying one is better than the other, but as a professional runner, the
“cheeseball” in me enjoyed being the story of the race.It was a ton of fun to live in the
shoes of what I imagine a soccer or basketball player lives.Where people don’t just enjoy you being
out there.They want you to win.

My initial impressions were confirmed during the race.Throughout the 13.1 miles, I was
accompanied by cars, bikes, motorcycles, and a helicopter all with cameras
filming each step.It was pretty
amazing.The downside was of
course was being constantly filmed while having Tourrette Syndrome (a disorder
I have that is characterized by involuntary facial tics).When you have Tourettes, you eventually
make some really strange looking faces and all of my great expressions were
captured by Costa Rican media.I
ended up winning the race in a modest time (which I’m not going to divulge),
and spent the next hour taking pictures with other finishers of the race.Again, I can’t describe how fun it was
to be treated like an actual athlete.

After the race, my wife and I spent another week in the
country with the elite coordinator and took pictures like this.

It was definitely enough to keep me motivated to run for at
least another year or so.And for
any Costa Rican runners that are reading this: You guys are simply the
best.I can’t wait to get back
down there and run with you again.Puravida.

Many years ago Adidas consulted with Haile Gebrselassie, arguably the greatest distance runner ever, about a racing shoe. The result was the Adios, which would go on to hold numerous world records, world championships and major titles. The Adios graced the fast feet of some of the best runners in history, taking care of each stride and every step. It was the fastest shoe in the world. And it was only the beginning.

Now, the whispers are getting louder. It’s time. Stories are floating around like lullabies about the arrival of what we believed to be a fictional shoe, a technology so advanced, it couldn’t possible exist in our lifetime. It’s time. Like the Second Coming of Christ, anticipation looms as the world prepares for the sun to get brighter, and the roads to get hotter.

The world’s fastest shoe, The Adios, just got a Boost.

Echoes down the dusty trails and roads are that the Adios Boost contains bubbles of joy and woe infused into the sole to insure that every step is fueled with Desire. Tears of Haile’s greatness, his sweat, and his Determination compacted into a shoe to be distributed to the world as the world’s fastest shoe. Don’t get left behind.

People thought the Adios was fast, and the Boost was faster. Like any good marriage, coupled together, The Adios + Boost = Greatness. Mixing two good things elevates them beyond measurements, beyond limits, and into the realm of Greatness. In a world where nothing compares, nothing can keep up, The Adios Boost has surpassed comprehension, as magic has been transformed into a shoe.

And don’t be fooled. Don’t think this is coincidence. There’s a reason behind it all. There’s a reason they call it the “Adios”, and that it’s followed by “Boost”. There’s a reason the Road Runner beeps before he takes off down the road, the same way there’s a reason you say “GOODBYE!” before BOOST, you take off.

Now, everyone can get the chance to run in Greatness, and feel what it’s like to really have a Boost in your step. We all want to feel the joy of a Gold medal around our neck, the glimmer in the stadium lights after a hard fought Victory. We all want to feel the satisfaction of achieving our goals, and making our dreams become reality. We all want to sprint down the final straight in a 7.7oz Adios Boost across the finish line, light as a feather and strong as a bull. Michael Johnson had his Gold spikes in 96’, now the world has the Adios Boost. Now we all get to taste Gold, it’s not chocolate, and we all get to see the olive wreath up close.Just like Haile, we can run with wings at our feet and Desire in our heart.

USA Women's 12k Championships

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Mt. Washington

Brandon Birdsong at Garden of the Gods 10 mile

Men CO Club XC Champions

Mack McClain USA 1500m Championships

Brie Nelson

Tufts 10k Women's Team Champs

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The Boulder Running Company/Adidas race team is based out of Colorado, is supported by Adidas, and is composed of some of the most talented post-collegiate runners in the state and in the nation. The team has consistently finished top-3 at the USATF Club Cross Country Championships. Enjoy a glimpse into the thoughts of some of these athletes. Thanks for reading! Also follow www.brc-adidas.com!